Hawaii - The Big Island Neighborhoods & Towns

Many people refer to the Big Island in terms of its Leeward (or west) and Windward (or east) coasts, but there are other major designations. Areas like Kau, Puna, Waimea, or Pahoa (mostly in the interior or southeast) see fewer visitors. You'll probably spend most of your time in northwestern Kona, where the resort area of the Kohala Coast lies; the eastern capital city of Hilo; or the northern coast, Hamakua. Beaches in Kona on the Kohala Coast are particularly popular, but there are also a few coveted shores on the southwest coast. And there are the volcanoes. Big Island's most visited ones rest or erupt in the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, on the southeast side.

Kona

Kailua-Kona (or Kona, for short) -- is known for its beaches and calm turquoise waters. Most of the resort areas are located on the Kohala Coast, just north of Kona town, and this is a great place to stay or visit, for its touristy shops and cafés, as well as outdoorsy activities.

Fodor's highly recommends checking out the beautiful beaches of Kaunaoa or Hapuna, north of Kona on HI-190. Nearby the Anaehoomalu Beach, commonly known as A-Bay, offers calm waters for trying water activities.

Hilo

Big Island's other major town, Hilo, is known for its funky, hippy-like ambience. Located on the eastern or windward coast, this town is home to the University of Hawai'i at Hilo and Hilo International Airport (ITO). Its popular attractions include the always-busy Hilo Farmers Market or the Akaka Falls State Park.

Hamakua Coast

Remote as it may be, Hamakua is steadily becoming a popular place to hole up in a private cottage or romantic bed and breakfast. The north coast area also has a particularly popular tourist attraction: The beautiful Waipio Valley, or "Valley of the Kings."

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Some of Big Island's top attractions are also located in small towns that just touch -- but are not part of -- Hilo, Kona or on the Hamakua Coast. One such place, the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, spreads through much of the southeast. At some point during your trip, you're likely to end up here. This park is where the Kilauea volcano is often spewing lava into the sea; its now-dormant Mauna Kea volcano is the highest point in the state.

Safety

Crime is rare on the Big Island. Your primary concern should be water safety. While the water temperature is almost always agreeable, winter surf can get very rough, especially along the north shore and on the beaches in the west coast. Strong currents have caused drownings in the past, so swim with caution and never enter the water alone or without the supervision of a lifeguard. If you plan to hike or walk along the coastline, be sure to wear sneakers or protective footwear so that your feet aren't exposed to sharp rocks. You should also wear sunscreen, especially at higher altitudes.